How did February fly by so quickly?  This is already the 4th Sunday and my last post as a Limelight Designer.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left me such wonderful comments throughout the month!  Since I just attended a Copic certification class by Debbie Olson last week, I’ve been on a Copic coloring roll.  If you’re a newbie to these alcohol based markers, she suggests buying Copics in groups of 3 of the same color family which is why Flourishes’ color collections are so great if you’re wanting to know where to start with color choices.

So, let’s get on with my first card…

 Detail #1:

A subtle yet elegant detail that I love to add to cards is embossing with Nestabilities…they’re not just for cutting!  With the proper “sandwich”, you can create an embossed frame around your image.  I have a Big Shot die cutting machine, so this description fits this machine.  Start with opening the multipurpose platform to Tab 1. Then add 3 layers of cardstock, a clear cutting plate, a rubber mat, the cardstock that you plan to emboss, the Nestie (with cutting side DOWN), and another clear plate.  I like to tape the Nestie to the CS with two tiny pieces of Scotch tape where I’ve lessened the stickiness by putting the tape on my clothing first.  You’ll want to GENTLY remove the tape so you don’t tear off any of the paper.  Practice this technique and tweak it to your liking.  You may need to add another shim of cardstock for a heavier embossed look.

Here’s another card using this same embossing method…

Detail #2:

When cutting out a colored image to pop up on a card with foam dots, you may notice the white edge that remains.  A simple way to remedy this is to take a Copic marker and swipe it along the edge of the image and the whiteness disappears.  You can use black around the entire image or use a green around the leaves, pink around the rose, etc.  I guess Freud had a name for people like me, but it really does finish off your project nicely!  You don’t want to hold the marker to the edge very long or the ink will feather into the card stock.

Detail #3:

Just like a special button may finish off a tailored jacket, so can a bit of sparkle top off a card.  I added some Diamond Stickles to the centers of the roses or you could add some light touches of a Copic Spica pen to make your image more interesting.

So…nothing really profound for you this week…just a reminder to pay attention to details that could add that “wow” factor and make your cards a bit more special!  Happy creating everyone!

Hello and welcome back to another Limelight Designer project!  I grew up watching my grandmother and mother piece together fabric and then quilt the layers to create lovely family heirloom quilts.  Today, I’m showing you the paper version of “quilting” with this step-by-step tutorial for the Ohio Star pattern.

For this 5 1/4″ square finished card, I used one inch squares for the quilt pieces.  I chose 3 different patterns from the Lost and Found Two “Breeze” designer paper pad by My Mind’s Eye:

4 – one inch squares of teal houndstooth pattern

4 – one inch squares of teal floral pattern

8 – one inch squares of vanilla pattern

Cut all but 4 of the vanilla squares in half on the diagonal.

You will want to adhere these pieces (I used mono adhesive) to some grid paper.  You’ll find the grid paper is very helpful to keep the squares aligned properly.  Start in the center and work your way outward.

Once you’ve completed the star pattern, trim around the square, then dry emboss with an  embossing folder of your choice and layer on coordinating card stock.  The embossing helps to give it a quilted look.  Sentiment is from Lenten Rose.

To show you a different combination of colors, I made a card using papers from the Six by Six “A Happy Heart” collection of papers by My Mind’s Eye.  Sentiment is from Snow Wonderful.

Thanks for stopping by….I love to hear your comments and appreciate all the positive feedback from last week’s weathered wood project!  Stay warm and come back again next Sunday for my 4th and last limelight post!

Hello again and welcome to another limelight project!  If you’re like me, you’ve been excited to see new products appearing on the market following the recent CHA show in California.  One of the trends I’m noticing with new patterned papers is the look of weathered wood.  I want to share a fun way to create this look very simply and quickly with supplies you already have on hand!

 

The sentiment is from Flourishes’ Petals & Peace set…typically a set for Christmas and winter-themed cards, but love that it’s versatile enough for a Valentine card as well! I’m thinking this will work for my DH’s Valentine this year!

Thanks for stopping by…hope you’ve been inspired to try this weathered wood look!  I look forward to bringing you another project next Sunday!

Hello everyone!  I’m so thrilled to be the Limelight Designer this month and hope to inspire you in some way every Sunday with my projects!   Today, I’m bringing you an easy to create table setting for Valentine’s Day.  For a number of years I’ve been asked to decorate the tables for our annual church Valentine banquet.  I usually create a favor, a napkin ring and some type of centerpiece.  I’m challenging you to go that extra step to make your table extra special this year…using your stamp supplies!

When I saw Flourishes’ recent release of the Love Sweet Love set, I knew it would be perfect for this project!  I started with decorating an LED candle – a safer option when you are adding flammable embellishments.  Some ribbon, beaded garland (found in the bridal section of a local big box craft store) and a “tag” completed it.  Lots of glitter and shine were added to make it reflect the light.

I added more garland and ribbon to the napkin and again, added a tag using a portion of the candy box image.

My favorite part of this setting is the favor!  I love to think “ouside of the box” with my supplies and had a light bulb moment when I looked at the keyhole die set!  I scored a line to create a “base” for the favor to stand up.  I then converted the strip into a belly band by punching small holes on each end and adding ribbon to secure the candy in place.  Some bling was added and there you have it…a quick and easy finishing touch to your table!

Thanks for stopping by…hope you can visit again next Sunday when I’ll have a fun background technique to share with you!